Vale unseat Saddlers

Port Vale ended a 66-year jinx as they deservedly beat local rivals Walsall 2-0 at the Banks's Stadium.

Last Updated: 30/11/13 7:23pm

Port Vale ended a 66-year jinx as they deservedly beat local rivals Walsall 2-0 at the Banks's Stadium.

The Valiants had not won a league game at Walsall since 1947 but on Saturday they were full value for the three points, scoring in each half through Tom Pope and Gavin Tomlin.

Vale's more direct approach paid dividends in he 20th minute when they took the lead. Defender Adam Yates pushed forward and delivered a low cross into the box for top-scorer Pope to drive his eighth goal of the season past Saddlers goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell.

Walsall played some neat football but the closest they came to scoring in the first half was when Romaine Sawyers saw his fierce shot deflected wide for a corner.

Chris Lines had the ball in the net for Vale again just before half-time but it was disallowed for a foul on Andy Butler.

Micky Adams' men made sure of the points in the 66th minute when a long throw-in from Carl Dickinson landed at the feet of Tomlin, who swivelled to smash a rising shot into the roof of the net.